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The Fun in Our Stars

Official Review by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Professional soccer in the U.S. has a long past of failed leagues and marginal success until relatively recently on the soccer timeline. In 1993, the MLS was founded as part of the package to draw the 1994 World Cup to the States. Ten founding teams were chosen to launch the new league into what was hoped to be a more permanent onshore soccer institution. One of those teams was the LA Galaxy, named for the many movie stars that call the Los Angeles area home. Over two decades later, the Galaxy are one of the growing MLS most recognizable brands and their home stadium one of U.S. soccer’s most recognizable stadiums.

It didn’t start in the StubHub Center though. Prior to 2003, the Galaxy played their games in front of a mostly empty Rose Bowl in Pasadena. As storied as the venue is, the sheer size of it was not suitable for the then-fledgling MLS team and their meager but growing fan base. Only the Columbus Crew had constructed a stadium suitable for only their soccer team. The Galaxy organization began work on what would soon become the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States, and the StubHub Center (originally known as the Home Depot Center) opened its gates in 2003.

The StubHub Center is actually a large sports complex with the 27,000 seat soccer-specific stadium as the main attraction. The grounds also include a tennis facility, a velodrome, and a track and field facility. Aside from the LA Galaxy, the soccer stadium also played host to the now defunct Chivas USA, multiple international soccer matches (including the Women’s World Cup final), the Men’s College Cup, the IRB Rugby Sevens World Series, high school football, and multiple boxing events.

3.6

What is FANFARE?

The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:

Food & Beverage

Atmosphere

Neighborhood

Fans

Access

Return on Investment

Extras

Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".

Food & Beverage
4

The StubHub Center offers multiple food options. Standard concessions are available around the stadium on the main concourse and include the basics. Nachos, hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn go for $4-$6 with sodas and coffee in the same range. Draft beer is readily available around the stadium with domestics selling for $9 and premium brews (mostly Modelo) for $11.

The "Extreme Stand" offers some unique varieties of these items, including the Frito Pie Dog, Nach Yo Dog, Pulled Pork Nachos, and Italian Sausage for similar prices. If you head to the stands on the south side of the stadium you can get wings and sweet potato fries. "The Kick!" is your locale for Starbucks coffee, Cinnabon treats, and pizza. "El Mercado" is home to all of your Mexican food desires, while "Pizza Stand" offers pizza by the slice and the Meat Ball Mania.

One of the cooler food options at the StubHub Center opened for the 2014 season. On the south end of the stadium you'll find Rock & Brews. Here you can really find some restaurant style dining and drinking with unique menu items and 12 different beers on tap. So if you've got some extra time before you head to your seat, grab a Backstage Burger and a Golden Road's Hefeweizen and enjoy the scene.

Atmosphere
5

The stadium itself is a modern and comfortable soccer masterpiece. Although a capacity of 27,000 in the context of most American sports venues seems small, the StubHub Center embraces this intimate fan experience. One of the many highlights is that there isn't a bad seat in the house. The sightlines are great from anywhere, with even the upper deck offering sweeping views of all the action. And the great news is the majority of seats are covered by the massive overhangs running the length of the pitch and wrapping around behind the endlines. The aesthetically pleasing stadium doesn't stop with the view from the seats either. Everything about the stadium still seems new and shiny.

The concourse is wide with multiple amenities as well. Charging stations with picnic tables and flat screen TVs are excellent additions that embrace the challenges of the modern day sports fan. Concourse views of the pitch from behind the north and south bleachers make for a very walkable stadium, which is a big plus for soccer stadiums where the action is non-stop. And to add to that, TVs are everywhere. Every concession stand and walkway around the stadium has a TV so you won't miss anything if you need to run to the restroom or grab a drink.

Neighborhood
3

To start with the good, you're in Los Angeles. If you can't find some good hotel and food options in the area, not even my recommendations will be able to help you. While there isn't a lot immediately around the stadium, downtown LA is just a 10 mile shot up 110. So if you're willing to brave LA traffic for an ontime arrival, the options for a delicious pre-game meal are unlimited.

Los Angeles, however, can hardly be called a "neighborhood" when drives through the city can take upwards of an hour. So for the more locally-minded fan, there are some easy food options around the stadium. R&R Soul Food, KFC, Dandy Lion Restaurant, Louisiana Fried Chicken and Chong's Restaurant are a few within reasonable walking distance. I wouldn't call this anything spectacular by any stretch though. I'd strongly recommend you eat in the LA area early and plan to arrive at the game with some time to spare.

In terms of overall comfort of Carson, CA and the immediate stadium vicinity, it's a relatively nice area nestled in southern LA between Long Beach and downtown. The stadium is practically on the campus of Cal State University - Dominguez Hills, so there are some green areas around the facilities. I wouldn't venture too far out from the immediate area, but overall it's pretty comfortable from any of the parking options.

Fans
4

The fans are close to being truly special, if only they'd just pack the stadium. On both the north and south ends of the stadium you'll see rowdy fan sections full of supporter groups called the "Galaxians" and the "Angel City Brigade." These fans stand the entire game waving flags, raising signs, singing and chanting. They really make the experience what it is and for a second you can forget that parts of the stadium are full of open seats, even during playoff games. The PA announcer engages these fans consistently and Cozmo (the Galaxy mascot) can be seen around the remainder of the stadium getting the other sections involved.

Despite all of the rowdiness, the stadium is very kid friendly as well and the experience is largely a comfortable one. The fans really enhance the game experience to the degree that the two are inseparable. Now, they just need to find a way to pack the park, and this can be one of the best fan bases in MLS. I would imagine that as soccer continues to rise in popularity in this country, a venue like this will only benefit from the addition of new fans.

Access
2

Can anything in LA really be considered easily accessible? The stadium itself is accessible via 110, 405 and 91. Unfortunately, it's not located immediately off any of these. This causes some gameday congestion as you work through the traffic lights and intersections towards the game. As with anything in LA, you should plan to leave earlier than anticipated to avoid getting caught in many traffic jams around the city at any hour of the day.

A lot of the general parking is on and around the Dominguez Hills campus for $15, meaning you're going to have a bit of a walk (albeit a pleasant one) through campus to get to the StubHub Center. There is a lot of parking close to the stadium as well for $20, but traffic gets a little tighter here. For the best access in and out, I'd recommend campus parking off of South Central Ave with the short walk to the stadium.

Once in the stadium, the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Restrooms are readily accessible wherever you need them. It's quick to get to your seat from anywhere in the stadium. Inside the stadium may be the one place in LA where traffic isn't a concern.

Return on Investment
3

Nothing at StubHub Center is unreasonable, although ticket prices are high for an MLS game. $30 is the lowest price you'll find, and that's for General Admission. $45 will get you upper sideline seats (which I would recommend as the best value). Everything else ranges from $55 through $200 depending on where you want to experience the action from.

Everything else is pretty solid in terms of pricing. Food prices are very reasonable and will generally not cost more than $6 for any one item. Beer is a bit pricey at $9-$11, but most fans who drink at sporting events are used to getting gouged on their brews. Parking for $15-$20 is also pretty reasonable for any major venue.

Overall, it's definitely worth the experience for the upper sideline ticket, especially with the great sight lines everywhere here. I can't imagine spending over $100 per ticket for a venue that isn't even selling out.

Extras
4

There are multiple cool extras here worth mentioning. The easy access phone charging stations with big screen TVs to watch the game are an awesome amenity that more stadiums should pick up on. The use of TVs in general around the stadium is a great addition as well. The Wall Of Legends on the north end of the stadium is a cool place to experience the history of the LA Galaxy franchise and will only get more interesting as time goes on for one of the more storied MLS clubs. Finally, the awesome supporters groups at both ends of the stadium add a European soccer supporters touch to the atmosphere at the StubHub Center.

Final Thoughts

Overall, StubHub Center is a must for anyone looking to get in on the ground floor of the growing popularity of MLS and US soccer in general . The StubHub Center is one of the soccer staples in the country, and seeing it will really give you the feel of the soccer subculture that is growing faster here than your average US football or basketball fan would lead you to believe. So take a step into the world of MLS and enjoy the show.

Crowd Reviews

In a Galaxy Not Far, Far Away

Total Score: 4.14

A not so long time ago, in a galaxy not far, far away, the year was 1996. Los Angeles, one of the most storied sports towns in the United States, was granted one of the ten charter franchises of Major League Soccer.

While the first fans may remember the Galaxy playing at the Rose Bowl, the team moved to a more modern $150 million facility in 2003. The capacity dropped from over 100,000 to a much more intimate 27,000. The fans responded positively, and the Home Depot Center has been filled ever since.

The stadium is located on the California State University, Dominguez Hills campus in Carson, CA. Itis approximately 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and easily accessible from the 405 or 91freeways. If Carson doesn't ring a bell, you may recognize it as the setting for movies such as "The Cable Guy," and "Gone in 60 Seconds." While the name leads to believe otherwise, the television show "Reno 911" is also filmed here and Carson was even the location of the "Hey Mickey" music video long before the MLS was ever created.

It is said that the Galaxy derived it nickname from Los Angeles, being home of the stars. Clearly, this was a much better choice than being home to the traffic or smog.

In a Galaxy Not Far, Far Away...

Total Score: 3.57

A Not so long time ago, in a galaxy not far, far away, the year was 1996. Los Angeles, one of the most storied sports towns in the United States, was granted one of the ten charter franchises of Major League Soccer.

While the first fans may remember the Galaxy playing at the Rose Bowl, the team moved to a more modern $150 million facility in 2003. The capacity dropped from over 100,000 to a much more intimate 27,000. The fans responded positively, and the Home Depot Center has been filled ever since.

The stadium is located on the California State University, Dominguez Hills campus in Carson, CA. It is approximately 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and easily accessible from the 405 or 91 freeways. If Carson doesn’t ring a bell, you may recognize it as the setting for movies such as “The Cable Guy,” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.” While the name leads one to believe otherwise, the television show “Reno 911” is also filmed here and Carson was even the location of the “Hey Mickey” music video long before the MLS was ever created.

It is said that the Galaxy derived it nickname from Los Angeles, being the home of the stars. Clearly, this was a much better choice than being home to the traffic or smog.